Your NDIS journey is all about growth, progress, and achieving your personal goals. The support you needed last year might not be the same support you need today, and that’s a wonderful thing! It means you’re developing new skills, gaining confidence, and becoming more independent.
But how do you know when it’s time to adapt your support plan? Recognising your own progress can be tricky. At Liorn Support Services, we believe in celebrating every milestone. Here are five empathetic and clear signs that you might be ready to explore a new level of support.
1. You’ve Mastered Your Daily Routines
Remember when learning a new bus route or mastering a cooking recipe felt like a huge challenge? Now, you might be doing these things with little to no help. When your daily tasks and routines feel comfortable, predictable, and even easy, it’s a strong indicator that you’ve built incredible skills and capacity. This newfound confidence is the perfect foundation for your next challenge.
2. You’re Setting Bigger, Bolder Goals
Your focus might be shifting from day-to-day living skills to bigger life ambitions. Are you finding yourself thinking about:
- Enrolling in a TAFE course?
- Finding a part-time job or volunteer position?
- Joining a local sports team or art class?
- Learning to drive?
If your dreams are expanding, your support should expand with them. A standard support role focused on daily tasks may need to evolve into one that helps you navigate study, employment, or new community connections.
3. You're Craving More Independence
This is one of the most exciting signs! You might feel a growing desire to make more of your own decisions, manage your own schedule, or simply have more time to yourself without a support worker present. This isn’t about pushing support away; it’s about embracing your autonomy. It shows you feel secure and capable, and it’s a natural and positive step towards greater self-reliance.
4. Your Current Support Feels a Little… Repetitive
Feeling a bit bored or under-stimulated by your current support activities? Don't worry, this is a good thing! It’s not a complaint; it’s a clear signal from your mind and body that you are ready for new, more engaging challenges. Your brain is telling you, “I’ve got this, what’s next?” It’s time to find new activities that spark your interest and help you learn something new.
5. Your Support Team is Encouraging You to Fly
A great support worker’s ultimate goal is to see you thrive. You might notice your support worker is stepping back more, encouraging you to take the lead, and celebrating your achievements. They might say things like, “You handled that perfectly on your own!” or “Why don’t you give that a try first?” Their confidence in you is often a reflection of the incredible progress they see every day.
What Does 'Stepping Up' Look Like?
Evolving your support doesn't mean removing it entirely. It means reshaping it to fit the person you are becoming. It could look like:
- Shifting focus: Moving from personal care support to capacity-building support that teaches you a specific skill.
- Changing settings: Transitioning from 1:1 support at home to joining one of our community-based group activities.
- Targeted support: Engaging a Support Coordinator to help you find a job or connect with a driving instructor.
We’re Here to Help You on Your Journey
Recognising that you’re ready for a change is a huge achievement in itself. At Liorn Support Services, we are passionate about providing flexible, person-centred support that grows with you.
If any of these signs resonate with you, let’s have a conversation. Contact us today to discuss your goals, celebrate your progress, and explore how we can tailor your support plan to match your amazing ambitions.